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Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans each year. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), about fifty percent of Americans test positive for at least one of the most common allergens: ragweed, pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mite, cockroaches, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts. Symptoms associated with allergic reactions can range from mild annoyances to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency.

Allergies Sourcebook, Sixth Edition provides updated information about the causes, triggers, treatments, and prevalence of common allergic disorders, including rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, dermatitis, eczema, hives, and anaphylaxis. It discusses the immune system and its role in the development of allergic disorders and describes such commonly encountered allergens as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. Facts about allergies to foods and food additives, insect stings, medications, and chemicals are also included, along with information about allergy diagnosis, treatments, coping strategies, and prevention efforts. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and directories of resources, including one to help people with food allergies find allergen-free foods.

This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part.

Part One: Introduction to Allergies and the Immune System discusses the components and function of the immune system and explains the link between genes, environment, and allergy development. Facts about how allergies impair aspects of daily life, including sleep and cognitive function, and the impact of allergies on children are also included.

Part Three: Foods and Food Additives That Trigger Allergic Reactions provides information about the most common food allergens, including milk, egg, fish and shellfish, peanut and tree nut, wheat, and soy. Information about food additives and ingredients that trigger reactions, food intolerances, tips on living with a food allergy, and advice for consumers about food labels are also included.

Part Four: Airborne, Chemical, and Other Environmental Allergy Triggers discusses symptoms of allergies to pollen and ragweed, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, insect stings, medications, and components used to manufacture medical products. People whose allergies flare when exposed to tobacco smoke, fragrance, or building materials will also find suggestions on coping at home and in the workplace.

Part Five: Diagnosing and Treating Allergies identifies tests, therapies, and medications that alleviate allergy symptoms, including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and allergy shots. It also provides tips on choosing an allergist and updated information about how recent healthcare reform laws affect health insurance coverage for people with allergies and asthma.

Part Six: Avoiding Allergy Triggers, Preventing Symptoms, and Getting Support provides information about reducing indoor allergy triggers and improving air quality. This part also offers strategies for preventing allergy symptoms during travel, exercise, and pregnancy, finding an allergy support group, and remaining free of symptoms at school.

Part Seven: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of important terms related to allergies and the immune system. A directory of organizations that provide health information about allergies and asthma is also included, along with a list of cookbooks and websites.